The glass doors of Cross Empire slid open, and a hush fell over the lobby.

Usually, when Damian Cross walked into the building, the temperature seemed to drop ten degrees. Employees would scramble to look busy, straightening ties and burying their noses in files, terrified of catching the CEO’s icy glare.

But today, the atmosphere was… different.

Damian walked in with a stride that was less predatory and more confident, his suit jacket unbuttoned, his hand resting firmly, possessively, on the small of Aria’s back.

They were murmuring to each other.

"Stop it," Aria whispered, a flush rising on her cheeks as they walked toward the private elevator. "Everyone is...